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Smartphones and traffic fatalities

On Behalf of | Oct 25, 2017 | Car Accidents

New Jersey motorists who use their smartphones while behind the wheel should know that they increase the chances that they may be involved in a motor vehicle accident. Their behavior may also be a factor in the rise of traffic deaths.

Within the last two years, traffic deaths in the United States have jumped by 14.4 percent. This is after years during which the number of deaths had been declining. In 2016, there were over 100 deaths on average each day. Regulators have been unable to specify why traffic deaths are increasing. The distances people are driving have only increased by 2.2 percent in 2016.

However, there are other factors that should be considered. One is the sharp rise in the use of smartphones by drivers when they are on the road. The percentage of Americans with an Android phone, iPhone or other like devices jumped to 81 percent from 75 percent from 2014 to 2016.

Another factor to consider is that Americans are using their phones differently than how they used to while they are on the road. The activities for which they are using their phone involve much more attention than responding to a call. In 2015, about 70 percent of smartphone users in America used their phones to share photographs and remain current on the news on social media. That percentage has risen to 80 percent.

Although the precise statistics vary, what is not subject to debate is that distracted driving can result in catastrophic injuries to occupants of other vehicles. People who have been harmed might find it advisable to have legal assistance when seeking appropriate compensation for their losses.